AI for real-world impact: Singapore is doubling down on AI by strengthening the ecosystem that moves ideas from research to deployment—linking talent, capital, customers and regulation—at the A5X event, with universities urged to connect labs to end users. Semiconductor talent pipeline: SSIA is launching a regional student talent exchange and a primary-school microelectronics pilot using LEGO Education, pushing chip skills earlier to ease a looming workforce shortage. UNESCO cultural heritage push: Singapore joins a regional bid to nominate Malay dance form zapin for UNESCO’s intangible heritage list, with Malaysia also joining the multinational effort. Food culture & travel: A new look at why picking a single Asian city for food trips is getting harder in 2026—social media narrows choices, while language, reservations and walk-in rules add friction. Health & wellness in the spotlight: A major study links even small daily increases in ultra-processed foods to higher chronic disease risk, while WHO warns DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak remains uncontrolled as North Kivu cases surge. Lifestyle and community moments: A Singapore content creator’s late-night 14km solo walk goes viral for being “therapeutic” and “surprisingly peaceful,” despite scary stretches. Global arts and heritage: ACM brings Mogao Caves and Silk Road art to Singapore, and a China-Africa fine arts exhibition opens in Nairobi to deepen people-to-people ties.